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One of the most fragile component is our cars electronics is the Igniter module.
If it overheats, you will be stuck on the side of the road. (happend to me in 1990)
The Igniter is not repairable, so a little preventive maintenance is surely a very good idea.
The fact that they are rare to find and very expensive makes it even more of a good idea.
This simple process applies to all years of the 5, 6, and 7MGE (non turbo) engines.
Mine is a 89620-14361, but the same applies to any variations, as it is mainly the connectors
and mounting tabs that change from one to another.
After removing it from the car, bring to a worktable for the work.
Remove the mountings plate, 4 phillips screws, and just to be safe, identify which side the wires (FILS) comes out of the case
![Gas Automotive lighting Machine Household cleaning supply Cable]()
![Fluid Cylinder Gas Machine Automotive tire]()
once open, you will have the electronic module right there. simply undo the 3 phillips screws and flip out the module.
It will be a bit sticky to the case, as the old compound will be holding it there. Notice on mine that it was already getting dry, as you can see
a 'sheet' of compound on the lower part tearing off on removal:
![Green Musical instrument Garden tool Gas Road]()
![Gas Motor vehicle Machine Auto part Electrical wiring]()
First, notice the thickness of the compound material there, it will give you a good idea of how much is needed to add.
Wipe off and clean both surfaces of this old dryed up compound.
I used a CPUcomputer tube compound that was well rated on gaming PC forums (info from my kids!)
Apparently the Silver ones are a bit better than the older White ones.
Pretty much any tube you will buy will have moore than enough.
![Motor vehicle Circuit component Electrical wiring Gas Automotive lighting]()
![Handwriting Publication Book Font Cylinder]()
Apply some on the back of the module place, and use for example an old credit card to spread it evently on the entire surface.
The idea here is to have about same thinkness as what was there, and most important, is to be regular in the thickness.
You don't want air pockets in there when you will re-assemble.
![Electrical wiring Gas Electrical supply Wire Machine]()
![Gas Machine Auto part Electrical wiring Metal]()
When you will put the electronic module back in the case, just wiggle it a little to smooths out the compound even more before securing it with the 3 screws.
Just be carefull with your fingers not to touch the compound. If you do, re-spread it evently !
Reassemble parts in reverse order.
Before re-installation in the car, I would highly suggest that you make sure the mounting tabs of the assembly, and the mating locations on the car are clean and free from
rust or corrosion. For the module to work properly, it must have a good ground.
Hope you will get many more miles / kilometers from your module after this preventive maintenance !
If it overheats, you will be stuck on the side of the road. (happend to me in 1990)
The Igniter is not repairable, so a little preventive maintenance is surely a very good idea.
The fact that they are rare to find and very expensive makes it even more of a good idea.
This simple process applies to all years of the 5, 6, and 7MGE (non turbo) engines.
Mine is a 89620-14361, but the same applies to any variations, as it is mainly the connectors
and mounting tabs that change from one to another.
After removing it from the car, bring to a worktable for the work.
Remove the mountings plate, 4 phillips screws, and just to be safe, identify which side the wires (FILS) comes out of the case
once open, you will have the electronic module right there. simply undo the 3 phillips screws and flip out the module.
It will be a bit sticky to the case, as the old compound will be holding it there. Notice on mine that it was already getting dry, as you can see
a 'sheet' of compound on the lower part tearing off on removal:
First, notice the thickness of the compound material there, it will give you a good idea of how much is needed to add.
Wipe off and clean both surfaces of this old dryed up compound.
I used a CPUcomputer tube compound that was well rated on gaming PC forums (info from my kids!)
Apparently the Silver ones are a bit better than the older White ones.
Pretty much any tube you will buy will have moore than enough.
Apply some on the back of the module place, and use for example an old credit card to spread it evently on the entire surface.
The idea here is to have about same thinkness as what was there, and most important, is to be regular in the thickness.
You don't want air pockets in there when you will re-assemble.
When you will put the electronic module back in the case, just wiggle it a little to smooths out the compound even more before securing it with the 3 screws.
Just be carefull with your fingers not to touch the compound. If you do, re-spread it evently !
Reassemble parts in reverse order.
Before re-installation in the car, I would highly suggest that you make sure the mounting tabs of the assembly, and the mating locations on the car are clean and free from
rust or corrosion. For the module to work properly, it must have a good ground.
Hope you will get many more miles / kilometers from your module after this preventive maintenance !
